SPEctra (SPE Career on Track): Developing Essential Skills for Future Leaders

Surabaya, SPE ITS SC – PT MedcoEnergi Internasional Tbk, commonly known as MedcoEnergi, is a leading Indonesian company engaged in the Oil & Gas, Power Generation, and Copper & Gold Mining businesses. In the Oil and Gas sector, MedcoEnergi focuses on exploration and production activities, primarily within Indonesia.As of today, Friday, October 24, 2025, the Sustainable Development Report on its official website highlights Indonesia’s progress toward achieving SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy. The report shows that Indonesia is moderately improving, although significant challenges remain. This demonstrates Indonesia’s continuous efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its broader vision of realizing Indonesia Emas 2045.On Monday, October 13, 2025, MedcoEnergi announced through an official press release that the company has been reducing its gas fuel consumption to improve operational efficiency and support the national energy transition agenda. Several initiatives have been implemented across its oil and gas assets. One of the key initiatives is the optimization of the Waste Heat Boiler (WHB) operating mode at the Grissik field, Corridor Block, South Sumatra. WHB is a type of boiler that recovers and utilizes residual heat and exhaust gases from production processes that is still have sufficient power to generate steam, in order to improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact. This optimization has successfully reduced carbon emissions by approximately 19,000 tCO₂e per year.Additional optimization efforts have also been carried out at both offshore and onshore sites. At the Natuna Offshore field, MedcoEnergi optimized operations at the Terubuk-Belida facility by rerouting production flow to operate without compressors, resulting in an annual emissions reduction of about 24,000 tCO₂e. Onshore, the company has implemented electrification—the conversion of systems or processes powered by fossil fuels to electricity-based systems—by switching from gas-fueled generators to the national clean power grid (PLN), alongside optimizing operational modes. Electrification helps reduce energy costs, improve energy efficiency, and support the transition to clean and renewable energy.“Fuel gas efficiency and emission reduction are not merely technical targets but integral to MedcoEnergi’s long-term sustainability roadmap. Since 2022, our initiatives have cumulatively reduced fuel gas consumption by around 18 MMscfd. This achievement reflects our commitment to sustainable innovation, operational excellence, and responsible energy development, creating long-term value for stakeholders while reducing our carbon footprint,” said Ronald Gunawan, Director & Chief Operating Officer of MedcoEnergi.This demonstrates that MedcoEnergi, as a major player in the oil and gas industry, is not solely driven by profitability but also operates responsibly, consciously contributing to environmental sustainability starting from within its own operations.Moving forward, MedcoEnergi will continue strengthening its sustainability agenda through both medium and long-term roadmaps, while also implementing new technologies such as the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)—a thermodynamic cycle that uses organic fluids instead of water to convert heat into electricity, Steam Turbine Generators which convert steam heat into power, and energy storage systems. These initiatives reaffirm MedcoEnergi’s role as an adaptive and responsible energy company, fully committed to supporting Indonesia’s energy resilience and sustainable future.Writer: Aura Hammada

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) ITS SC recently organized the SPEak Up! Guest Lecture program in collaboration with SPE UTM SC from Malaysia and SPE PSU SC from the Philippines. With the theme 'Revolutionizing Production Through Next-Gen Oilfield's Digital Odyssey,' this collaborative initiative aims to enhance SPE members' understanding of the oil and gas industry perspectives in the digitalization era. Hosted annually by the Academia and Competency Development Department of SPE ITS SC, The recent SPEAK UP Guest Lecture featured industry experts, including Mr. Tomi Ihwanto from Pertamina Hulu Rokan, Engr. Arnold Gabuco from Philippines, and Dr. Ahmad Khanifar from Petronas Malaysia, shedding light on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in redefining oil extraction strategies and enhancing oil fields.The first session of the event, featured a presentation by Mr. Tomi Ihwanto which emphasized the importance of embracing digital technologies in order to stay competitive in the constantly evolving oil and gas industry. He highlighted this by saying, "Advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, and automation are redefining traditional practices within the sector, emphasizing the need for adaptation to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness in today's oil and gas landscape." He then proceeded to describe various digital transformation initiatives that PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan has implemented and plans to integrate.. One of the implementations is the smart condition monitoring & analysis modeling that is able to detect the equipment degradation earlier by applying similarity based multiple online variables correlation. The abnormal condition can be detected earlier based on the trend difference between model and actual. Thus, optimizing the maintenance schedule and potentially saving on costs and avoiding downtimes.Mr. Arnold Gabuco started the next session by mentioning the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in streamlining tasks, processing large datasets, and optimizing production workflows. He specifically noted, "AI's ability to undertake complex tasks efficiently and with minimal errors can revolutionize the oil and gas industry, making it an indispensable tool for ensuring operational reliability and efficiency by preemptively addressing potential equipment failures."And in the last session of the event, Dr. Khanifar highlighted the pivotal role of advanced analytics and AI-driven technologies in enhancing oil fields, stating, "These innovations collectively contribute to informed extraction strategies, ensuring optimal operations and real-time optimization by controlling the high gas to oil ratio (GOR) in wells." The lecture covered critical aspects, including the Field Development Plan overview and the meticulous Well Selection process. The discussion focused on the detailed implementation of the AI-HGOR Pilot, where Dr. Khanifar emphasized the importance of GOR control for reshaping the oil extraction landscape. The Multi Rate Test (MRT) analysis showcased a reduction in oil production with an increasing GOR, while the Advisory Model's integration into the process control scope underlined the transformative significance of these technological advancements. The presentation concluded with a powerful statement, offering a glimpse into the promising future of the industry.Written by: Satria Rafif Rafidianto

Indonesia is now officially a member of BRICS, joining a group of major emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This milestone has been a long-standing goal of President Prabowo, who has targeted BRICS membership for over a decade. "In 2014, when I started my attempt at running for president of Indonesia, I did announce that when I become president, I will bring Indonesia to join BRICS. I told my foreign minister that it's time to make a significant new element in the global economy," Prabowo said.BRICS, formed in 2009, was designed to boost trade, investment, and global influence among rapidly developing economies while challenging Western-dominated global institutions. The group's focus on economic growth, reducing reliance on the US dollar, and offering alternatives like the BRICS New Development Bank has grown increasingly relevant as global economic power shifts. Recently, BRICS has expanded to include new members like Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which have strengthened its influence in the global oil market. Together, BRICS now accounts for nearly 41% of global oil production and 35% of oil consumption, with those figures potentially rising if Saudi Arabia joins. At Russian Energy Week in Moscow, BRICS energy ministers discussed energy supply challenges and the possibility of trading outside the US dollar system, further solidifying the group’s growing importance in global energy markets.With its BRICS membership now official, Indonesia stands to gain significant benefits, particularly in the energy sector. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, explained that Indonesia could potentially purchase oil from Russia through its new position in BRICS. While Indonesia currently imports oil from the Middle East, some of it could originate from Russia. Bahlil emphasized Indonesia’s active foreign policy, stating that as long as it complies with regulations and benefits the nation, there is no issue with pursuing such opportunities, including engaging with BRICS or other international bodies like the OECD.Luhut Pandjaitan, Chairman of the National Economic Council of Indonesia, highlighted the economic opportunities BRICS membership presents. He noted that Indonesia’s larger market provides new pathways for growth, including better access to energy resources. However, he also warned that Indonesia must be vigilant about the energy challenges currently facing Europe and China, where gas supplies from Russia are being disrupted, which could lead to an energy crisis. Luhut further explained that Indonesia could benefit from cheaper oil prices by engaging with Russia as a BRICS member. "If it benefits our country, we will buy oil from Russia. If we can save $20 or $22 per barrel, why not?" he said.Indonesia's entry into BRICS marks a significant step forward in its foreign policy, aligning the country with some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. This move allows Indonesia to tap into new economic opportunities, particularly in energy markets, and strengthens its position on the global stage. By joining BRICS, Indonesia not only gains access to cheaper oil imports but also becomes a more influential player in shaping global trade and energy strategies. As BRICS continues to challenge Western-dominated systems and shape global economic policies, Indonesia's membership is poised to further its strategic interests in energy security, market expansion, and international cooperation.Written by : Exaudi Abetnego Tampubolon

On October 25th, 2025, the Society of Petroleum Engineers ITS Student Chapter (SPE ITS SC) successfully held ONG 101, an insightful seminar that brought students closer to the real challenges and opportunities within the oil and gas industry. Held at Teater A, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Surabaya, the seminar featured Ir. Zulfikar A. Ali, IPM, Senior Completion and Fracturing Engineer at KUFPEC and ITS Chemical Engineering alumnus, as the keynote speaker. In his opening presentation, Mr. Zulfikar emphasized that safety remains the foremost priority in every stage of oil and gas operations. He explained that the strict regulatory frameworks governing exploration, drilling, and production activities are designed to prevent accidents, mitigate risks associated with H₂S gas exposure, and minimize environmental incidents such as oil spills. According to him, adherence to safety standards is a non-negotiable aspect of engineering professionalism, reflecting the industry's ethical responsibility toward both personnel and the environment. The speaker proceeded to share his personal experiences working across various segments of the oil and gas value chain. He reflected on the challenges and learning processes that shaped his career, encouraging students to pursue their passion with perseverance and integrity. Addressing the growing public perception that the oil and gas industry is a declining sector, Mr. Zulfikar remarked: “Some people say, ‘Oil is running out, why study petroleum engineering?’ But I believe hydrocarbons will still be needed for the next 100 years. Oil and gas will continue to support the world’s energy demand. It will remain part of our journey to achieve global energy targets.” This statement underscored the continuing relevance of Oil and Gas exploration and innovation within the broader context of energy transition and sustainability. While the global energy landscape is shifting toward renewable resources, hydrocarbons will remain essential for industrial processes, petrochemicals, and transitional energy sources in the decades to come. In the technical portion of the session, Mr. Zulfikar elaborated on the cycle of oil and gas operations, covering exploration, drilling, completion, production, and decommissioning. He introduced the concepts of primary, secondary, and tertiary recovery, in which the industry has now reached tertiary recovery. This emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation to improve recovery efficiency and resource sustainability. He highlighted the necessity of “honoring technology” by embracing advancements that enable engineers to address contemporary challenges such as reservoir depletion, environmental impact reduction, and cost optimization. Topics discussed included offshore exploration wells, structural integrity, station-keeping systems, and drill stem testing all of which require interdisciplinary collaboration and robust engineering design. The seminar’s central theme, well-completion, was explored in depth. Mr. Zulfikar discussed the primary challenges faced by completion engineers, particularly in corrosive well environments, where material selection becomes a critical factor. He also addressed the requirements for materials capable of withstanding the extremely low temperatures associated with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) operations, an emerging field aligned with global decarbonization goals. Various artificial lift systems were introduced as solutions for enhancing production from mature wells. Furthermore, the speaker noted that multilateral well technology, though not yet widely implemented in Indonesia, presents significant opportunities for improving reservoir drainage efficiency. Mr. Zulfikar also explained several methods to mitigate sand production, such as gravel packing and screen design, emphasizing that these practices are vital for maintaining well integrity. He concluded this section by introducing smart well technologies, which enable remote monitoring and control to minimize the need for physical intervention, thereby enhancing both safety and efficiency. Beyond technical competence, Mr. Zulfikar stressed that successful engineering practice in the oil and gas industry depends on effective collaboration among diverse disciplines.  Such multidisciplinary cooperation fosters innovative problem-solving and ensures that complex projects meet both operational and environmental standards. The event’s interactive segments demonstrated the enthusiasm of ITS students. The QnA session featured insightful discussions that reflected participants’ curiosity and critical thinking regarding industry practices. The seminar concluded with a PetroQuiz, in which attendees enthusiastically competed to answer technical questions related to the material presented. This activity effectively reinforced the participants’ understanding while maintaining an engaging atmosphere. Through ONG 101, SPE ITS SC successfully bridged academic learning with real-world industry perspectives. The seminar provided valuable exposure to practical engineering challenges and the evolving dynamics of the global energy sector. By presenting both motivational insights and technical expertise, Ir. Zulfikar A. Ali, IPM, not only broadened the participants’ understanding of well completion and production technologies but also inspired them to uphold professional values of safety, innovation, and collaboration.  Writer: Christya Amanda